Tutorial: Wrapped edge Barrelette Clutch (+ coupon code!)

Coincidentally, I had two customers this last month ask for the same thing--they wanted to make sure the inside of their clutch didn't show at the edge of the flap. With the Barrelette Clutch pattern, the inside color shows up on the outside around the edge of the flap and the edges of the u-shaped sides. However, a couple years ago I came up with a clutch design for a customer that had a thick upholstery fabric on the inside that she chose, and a thinner outside linen fabric. I came up with a simple solution to avoid bulkiness at the seams, by having the outside fabric wrap around.

When these customers mentioned they didn't want the inside showing, I said, "Oh, I have a way I can alter the design so the inside doesn't show." However, I've never done it on the Barrelette pattern, so I did need to experiment a little. I overthought it at first, and it didn't turn out perfect!

Whoops! But when went back to my original way, it turned out great. So I decided I needed to share this technique! Little disclaimer--my sewing area lighting stinks! Some of the pictures I used natural lighting only, then I turned on the overhead light. Next time I'll have to get out my lights and white backdrop!

First, take the Barrelette pattern piece, and your exterior fabric (pictured here in tan silk). Cut across the bottom of the pattern piece. But for the sides and top, cut 1/4" (6.4 mm) beyond the edge of the pattern piece.

Take the pattern piece, and cut out the inside fabric as normal (shown here in teal green silk). Next, cut 1/4" (6.4 mm) off of the left, right, and bottom. Leave the top curve alone! Trust me, I tried several different things, and this works the best! When you are done, you can match up the straight bottoms of each, and there should be 1/2" (13mm) of difference between the edges of the sides and top curve.

Next, mark the center of the curved top edge on each of the pieces. Then, right sides together, match up the marks and pin. Match the bottom corners as well, and pin. Then pin the sides and top curve, starting at your initial pins, and moving outward from there.

You'll be left with some extra exterior fabric at the top corners. Pinch the excess. The fold needs to be directly over, and diagonal to, the corner. Without losing the fold, push down the fold and flatten it. Pin, or I'd recommend a clip. When you sew around the edge, try to pivot right in the middle of the fold.

After trimming the seams, I'd recommend ironing them. This isn't strictly necessary, but I've done it without ironing, and the finish isn't as clean. I ironed the seam towards the inside fabric. Getting the top and corners is dicey. I'd recommend a ham or sleeve roll to make it easier.

The trickiest part of this whole thing is the final ironing. After inserting the peltex, work it into place until there is a lip of exterior fabric wrapped around the peltex. When you iron, start in the middle of the flap, and move outward. Do your best to work out the wrinkles. This method is more wrinkly than the normal method. You may be a little frustrated your first time trying it! If you pull the interior fabric at the open end away from the iron as you iron, that helps. From the outside, there is also not as sharp a corner. However, I think the overall effect is really nice. I will definitely consider using this method more!

My other order is also the Barrelette, but it was the gathered version. This definitely was more tricky. I'll most likely stick with this wrap-around method for the Basic Barrelette only, not the gathered or bow version. The bride is happy with the result--a fun pop of color for her bridesmaids!

Hope this is helpful! Another funny coincidence--I didn't realize until this morning that it's been a year since I published the Barrelette Clutch, my first published sewing pattern! In honor of that, plus this tutorial, you can get it for the price of $5 for the next week using the coupon code HOORAY at checkout. This is good through Sunday, October 9.